Northwest Suburban all-area football team

Justin Arvidson, Wheeling

It was fitting Arvidson waved a Wheeling flag after it clinched its first playoff berth in 11 years and a share of the MSL East title. The senior captain had 40 tackles with 5½ for losses and an interception at linebacker, led an explosive offense at right guard and handled all of the kicking duties. "Justin has really been a leader," said coach Dave Dunbar. "He was the anchor and leader of that offensive line and at linebacker he played really well between the tackles."

Eric Bergman, Elk Grove

For three years Bergman was a force to be reckoned with up front on both sides of the ball. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Division I prospect not only led one of the area's better running games but was no slouch when he was on defense. "On our offensive line he was one of our mainstays the last couple of years," said coach Tom Whalen. "Defensively, teams didn't run at him a whole heck of a lot and he was someone you've got to account for with his pass rush."

Monroe Brooks, Palatine

Brooks went from complete unknown after not playing as a junior to MSL West co-defensive player of the year honors with a verbal commitment to Purdue. The 6-foot-7 Brooks made 12 of his 45 tackles for losses and got 6 sacks. "He just changes the way the game is played and at times he had a huge impact on the game,'' said coach Tyler Donnelly. "As his play becomes more consistent in college he'll be quite a player."

Emmett Cleary, St. Viator

All the attention Cleary received as one of the state's top offensive line prospects didn't go to the senior's head as he played both ways this year. And that's why the senior is headed in the right direction on and off the field at Boston College. "He's the all-American, well-rounded kid who happens to be a great football player," said coach Chris Kirkpatrick. "It was really refreshing to coach him."

Ryan Cortez, Palatine

Cortez may not stand out before the game at 6 feet and 175 pounds. But it didn't take long for people to notice the junior linebacker as he led Palatine's improved defense with 112 tackles and had 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. "The things he does you can't teach," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "He was really the heart of our defense and he will be again next year. I've never coached a linebacker in 13 years that good."

Marc Damisch, Buffalo Grove

Damisch was the big and strong silent type who let his actions do the talking for Buffalo Grove. And the senior hopes to keep taking some big steps in the Big Ten at Indiana. "What he did to develop himself and mature into a very good high school offensive lineman is remarkable on his part," said coach Rich Roberts. "I had a number of coaches say, 'When he locks on you, he locks on you.'"

Kevin Fallon, Fremd

There was no fooling around up front with Fallon leading the way in Fremd's 13th straight playoff trip and school-record 11 wins. The senior used physical strength to get the job done but was athletic enough to cause problems as well. "His presence and toughness solidified the offensive line," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He was an offensive lineman with an attitude."

Jason Ford, Fremd

Ford quietly helped drive Fremd to a third-straight outright MSL West title, a school-record 11 wins and a third trip to the state quarterfinals. The senior tight end caught 14 passes for 138 and a TD, could split out wide and played a game at offensive tackle because of injuries. "To be able to spread him out made all the difference in the world as far as running the ball," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He was probably the best blocking tight end we've had."

Nick Hillard, Fremd

Hillard's final high school game exemplified what the MSL West co-defensive player of the year was all about. He had 13 takcles, blocked a punt and filled in at running back for 106 yards and 2 extra-effort TDs. "There isn't a kid with a bigger heart than him … and the only thing that supersedes his heart is his intelligence," said coach Mike Donatucci of the team leader in tackles with 101 and 12 for losses. "He's a warrior."

Brian Hipchen, Fremd

The quarterback of the Fremd secondary was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with 4 of his 9 school-record career interceptions coming this year. Hipchen was also second in tackles with 54 and broke up 9 passes. "He's one of those kids who has the ability to come up and play in the box and cover deep and play man," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He's really a complete safety."

Kelly Jauch, Rolling Meadows

Perseverance had big rewards as Jauch went from the freshman "B" team to the leading tackler with 122 for the Mid-Suburban East co-champions and second-round playoff qualifier. Coach Doug Millsaps credited Jauch's parents and assistant Scott Otahal for his success. "They really allowed Kelly to get the most out of his high school experience," Millsaps said. "He was always flying around the football and making big plays."

Ty Kirk, Rolling Meadows

The Division I prospect was a marked man and focal point of opposing pass defenses. Kirk still caught 37 passes for 552 yards and 2 TDs and returned 1 of his 2 interceptions for a TD for the Mid-Suburban East co-champions. "He was challenged because people defended him differently and he still found ways to be an impact guy," said coach Doug Millsaps. "He just had the ability to make some unbelievable plays."

Mike Koeneman, Fremd

"Special K" made plenty of special plays in two varsity years as he broke his brother Jeff's school record for catches in a season with 55 for 763 yards and a record-tying 8 TDs. "Mikey is just a football player and an athlete," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He has a great understanding of our offense. He knows how the offense works and has the ability to work himself into the scheme."

James Kurtz, Wheeling

Kurtz put plenty of hurts on opposing secondaries with his ability to go over defenders and come down with the ball. The 6-foot-2 junior set Wheeling records with 53 catches for 811 yards and 12 TDs and set an IHSA record with 6 consecutive catches for TDs. "You knew you could throw the ball up there and he was going to come down with it," said coach Dave Dunbar. "That was his attitude … he would go up and fight for the football."

Cody Logsdon, Schaumburg

Replacing all-area standout Julian Tucker at quarterback figured to be a tough task. Logsdon responded by hitting 63 percent of his passes for 1,390 yards and 12 TDs and rushed for 482 yards and 5 TDs. The senior also punted for a 35-yard average, kicked and showed his toughness in the season finale by playing on a badly injured foot. "He impressed us time and time again with his leadership and he was a lot tougher than people gave him credit for," said coach Mark Stilling.

Joey Luna, Barrington

Luna had no complaints when circumstances dictated moving back and forth between linebacker and nose tackle. The third-year varsity player had 5 of his 43 tackles go for losses and got a sack. "He's been the heart and soul of the middle of our defense and a big part of our success on the defensive side," said coach Joe Sanchez. "I can't say enough about his work ethic. He's extremely versatile and he made changes to try to do what was best for the team."

Pat Mack, Prospect

Injuries were about the only thing that could stop Mack during his three varsity seasons. The senior averaged nearly 10 yards a carry in his career and rushed for 648 yards and 5 TDs despite missing nearly half this season on offense. And Mack made plenty of big stops at linebacker. "When we looked at him even as a sophomore we said Pat Mack is a difference-maker," said coach Brent Pearlman. "If he's in the game, something is going to happen."

Joe Okon, Rolling Meadows

Okon wasn't joking when he delivered a hit -- just ask the three Meadows players who were knocked out in practice this season. The Mid-Suburban East co-defensive player of the year switched from free safety to inside linebacker and became a Division I prospect with 97 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions. "He's not very nice on the field and he loves the game," said coach Doug Millsaps. "He's got an unbelievable upside."

Drew Peterson, Palatine

The senior moved from nose guard as a junior to become one of the driving forces for Palatine's first postseason trip and win in 10 years. Peterson always played the strong side, and the run game and offense thrived by averaging more than 400 yards the final five games. "He was the most consistent lineman we had … and just an outstanding run blocker," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "On film after film after film he's pancaking kids."

Stan Pheteau, Rolling Meadows

Stan was the man for Meadows in so many ways before breaking his leg in a second-round playoff loss to Lake Zurich. The senior cornerback had 6 interceptions, caught 15 passes for 195 yards and 2 TDs and set the tone on a daily basis with a consistent work ethic. "He gets it … and I'm really going to miss him," said coach Doug Millsaps. "He's always there and ready to go and he doesn't mind helping other people."

Abel Rangel, Wheeling

Opponents weren't able to keep Rangel from doing serious damage when he got the ball. The senior and MSL East offensive player of the year rushed for 646 yards and 7 TDs, caught 3 TDs and returned a punt and kickoff for scores en route to 1,428 all-purpose yards. "It didn't matter who we played or where we were in the game, he played at full speed," said coach Dave Dunbar. "Because of that he had a contagious spirit that propelled the rest of the offense."

Ben Sabal, Rolling Meadows

Sabal was a stabilizing force for the Mustangs as he completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,333 yards and 8 TDs. And the senior went out in style in a high school career where he was on the playoff roster as a freshman and also played outside linebacker as a sophomore and junior. "I've been impressed with Ben since Day 1," said coach Doug Millsaps. "I'm really proud of him. Nobody handled tough situations any better."

Kevin Serna, Rolling Meadows

Serna came out as a kicker and was one of the best around the last two years -- including 7-for-10 on field goals and 37-for-38 on extra points this fall. But he also punted for a 33.6-yard average and became a key contributor at wide receiver and in the secondary. "A kicker gone good," laughed coach Doug Millsaps. "He meant a lot to us. When the offense stalled we could always count on him to get us points."

Josh Serrano, Leyden

Serrano put up some of the biggest numbers in program history but never acted as if he was bigger than everyone else. The senior set Leyden records with 1,412 yards rushing on 287 carries and 276 yards in the opener. He also had 65 tackles in the school's first playoff trip since 1998. "The greatest thing about Josh is he gives you 100 percent on every single snap," said coach Tom Cerasani. "He's more of a workhorse … and he played like that in practice."

J.C. Stickney, Barrington

Sticking with Stickney wasn't easy as the 6-foot-3 senior caught 27 passes for 405 yards and 4 TDs. And he could also stick it to people defensively with 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups and 18 tackles in Barrington's sixth straight winning season. "Just his effort in every game on both sides of the ball was completely invaluable to us," said coach Joe Sanchez. "Teams didn't throw his way because of his height and athletic ability."

Mick Trimarco, Schaumburg

The plan to get the repeat all-area pick the ball more was a rousing success as Trimarco earned MSL West co-offensive player of the year honors. He rushed for 1,109 yards and 15 TDs, had 3 kickoff return TDs and more than 400 all-purpose yards in the season finale and played defense in crucial situations. "You talk about a kid putting the team on his back and trying to carry them," said coach Mark Stilling. "He's athletic and talented but with him a lot of times it's sheer will."

Scott Zari, Conant

Midway through the season Conant turned to Zari for an offensive boost. The repeat all-area linebacker not only had 88 tackles to set the Conant career record with 202 but he stepped in at fullback and rushed for 456 yards and 7 TDs. "He's a really intelligent kid … and he stepped up and really handled that (fullback) role well," said coach Bill Modelski. "Without him we wouldn't have been anywhere."

2007 All-Area roster

Justin Arvidson, Wheeling, 6-0, 215, Sr., OL-LB

Eric Bergman, Elk Grove, 6-3, 260, Sr., OL-DL

Monroe Brooks, Palatine, 6-6, 238, Sr., DL

Emmett Cleary, St. Viator, 6-7, 260, Sr., OL

Ryan Cortez, Palatine, 5-11, 166, Jr., LB

Marc Damisch, Buffalo Grove, 6-6, 285, Sr., OL

Kevin Fallon, Fremd, 6-2, 265, Sr., OL

Jason Ford, Fremd, 6-3, 211, Sr., TE

Nick Hillard, Fremd, 5-9, 180, Sr., LB

Brian Hipchen, Fremd, 6-0, 175, Sr., DB

Kelly Jauch, Rolling Meadows, 6-1, 182, Sr., LB

Ty Kirk, Rolling Meadows, 6-2, 172, Sr., WR-DB

Mike Koeneman, Fremd, 5-11, 170, Sr., WR-DB

James Kurtz, Wheeling, 6-1, 185, Jr., WR

Cody Logsdon, Schaumburg, 6-0, 170, Sr., QB

Joey Luna, Barrington, 5-11, 215, Sr., DL-LB

Pat Mack, Prospect, 6-0, 185, Sr., RB-LB

Joe Okon, Rolling Meadows, 6-2, 213, Sr., LB

Drew Peterson, Palatine, 5-10, 255, Sr., OL

Stan Pheteau, Rolling Meadows, 6-1, 181, Sr., DB-WR

Abel Rangel, Wheeling, 5-10, 165, Sr., RB

Ben Sabal, Rolling Meadows, 6-3, 212, Sr., QB

Kevin Serna, Rolling Meadows, 6-1, 156, Sr., AP

Josh Serrano, Leyden, 5-8, 180, Sr., RB-LB

J.C. Stickney, Barrington, 6-3, 205, Sr., WR-DB

Mark Tolzien, Fremd, 6-1, 180, Sr., QB

Mick Trimarco, Schaumburg, 6-0, 195, Sr., RB

Scott Zari, Conant, 6-0, 212, Sr., LB-RB

Special mention

Alan Baxter (Buffalo Grove, Jr. DL), Greg Carroll (Hoffman Estates, Jr., LB), Andrew Cobb (Barrington, Sr., TE-DE), Sam Cochiaro (Leyden, Sr., WR), Alex Coglianese (Schaumburg, Jr., DB), Pat Crost (Hersey, Sr., LB-RB), Tom Davidson (Rolling Meadows, Jr. OL-DL), Joe Deligio (Buffalo Grove, Sr., DL), Mike Gyetvay (Fremd, Jr., RB), Josh Hampton (Buffalo Grove, Jr., RB), Matt Holmes (Wheeling, Jr., QB), Kevin Krieter (Fremd, Sr., LB), Kory Laga (Elk Grove, Sr., LB-RB), Mike Landuyt (St. Viator, Sr., RB), John LaPointe (Fremd, Sr., DL), Christian Lombard (Fremd, So., OL), Kevin Mitchell (Palatine, Sr., OL), Matt O'Malley (St. Viator, Sr., OL-LB), Sam Ojuri (Barrington, Jr., RB), Ben Perna (Fremd, Jr., DL), Matt Rossi (Palatine, Jr., QB), Peter Rothbart (Wheeling, Sr., OL), Dan Sutton (Palatine, Sr., RB), Mike Tauchman (Fremd, Jr., DB-WR), Mike Uychoco (Leyden, Sr., DL-TE), Danny Vargas (Wheeling, Jr., LB), Mookie Williams (Palatine, Sr., WR), Pat Ziegenfuss (Prospect, Sr., WR-DB)

Honorable mention

Brian Anderson (Schaumburg, Sr., DL), Jorge Arellano (Leyden, Sr., DL), Bryan Bathauer (Elk Grove, Sr., QB), Joe Busse (Buffalo Grove, Sr., OL), Matt Calcagno (Conant, Sr., OL), Rob Carli (Leyden, Jr. OL), George Clampitt (Barrington, Sr., OL), Carl Comstock (Fremd, Sr., OL), Fred Cornely (Buffalo Grove, Sr., DB), Tom Dombrowski (Hoffman Estates, Jr., S), Jory Engel (Fremd, Sr., DB), Jimmy Garoppolo (Rolling Meadows, So., LB), Danny Hennig (Prospect, Sr,. DB), Oscar Herrera (Maine West, Sr., OL-DL), Tom Houle (Conant, Sr., QB-DB), Ryan Hourigan (Palatine, Sr., LB), Eric Huber (St. Viator, Sr., QB-WR), Ricky Jansen (Elk Grove, Sr., LB), Matt Kennedy (Prospect, Sr., OL-DL), Jerry Larsen (Leyden, Jr., OL), John Mejia (Schaumburg, Sr., OL), Kevin Miller (Elk Grove, Sr., DB), Chris Norman (Palatine, Jr., RB), Adam Schammert (Leyden, Jr. LB), Pat Splon (Wheeling, Sr., RB), Nick Strzelecki (Rolling Meadows, Sr., OL), Frank Wadas (Hoffman Estates, Jr., QB), Scott Wenzel (Rolling Meadows, Sr., S), Sean Willett (Maine West, Sr., QB-S), Nate Wokoun (Barrington, Sr., OL), Tom Zidron (Wheeling, Sr., DB)